Recent claims that Westfield plans to launch online shopping centres are currently being questioned, with rumours suggesting that negotiations with the shopping centre giant and its tenants are currently underway regarding their inclusion on its website.
If the online development is to proceed, it will be in contrast to Westfield’s executive chairman Frank Lowy’s decision in 2000 to focus on bricks-and-mortar shopping centres rather than delve into the virtual world of retailing.
The move would follow the current trend towards online expansion and many view it as a matter of when, not if.
''It's true to say there's activity happening,'' said Mark Ryan, a spokesman for the company.
''The fact is that we continue to develop our internet technologies and our relationships with retailers.''
It is uncertain whether Westfield would charge commission on retailers’ online sales or whether a rent structure would be adopted.
The speculation comes after Westfield ran an online promotion via the social networking website Facebook, proving it had the potential to attract large numbers of shoppers to its website.